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1. #RRBC: Encounter at ArcAngel Park

Nonnie Jules is the founder and President of RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB, as well as interviewer of RRBC authors in the famed, “Who’s On The Shelf With Nonnie?” interviews. Her interviewing skills are legendary and she decided to accompany Author, John Fioravanti, through space and time to another galaxy 700 years into the future. Nonnie’s goal is to meet the key personalities on planet Genesis featured in Fioravanti’s series, The Genesis Saga, and utilize her formidable skills to find out something more about these characters. This scene is the first of many, which will follow.

Setting: Nonnie and John are seated comfortably in her office at RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.

John: “Thank you, Nonnie for inviting me to join you here today!”

Nonnie: “You’re welcome!” (Thinking: where are these people I’m supposed to interview?) “I’d like to know how this is going to work… I don’t see anybody else around here to talk to…” (John smiles politely, Nonnie shakes her head) “… alright, I’ll start with you, John! Why did the people of Genesis have to make big changes in their society?”

John: “After more than 700 years of acrimony between the ruling Churcher class and the Naval class, big changes were needed to stave off violence and the ultimate destruction of human civilization on Genesis.”

Nonnie: “Sounds grim… what changes do they want to make… and WHO’s directing traffic?”

John: “For now, High Chancellor Harvey Bingham is, umm… ‘directing traffic’. During the war of the last four years, he brought in measures to begin the desegregation of the urban centers…”

John: “Actually… no. The discrimination is based on religious differences. Right now, the High Chancellor is running the planet’s first democratic election!”

Nonnie: (incredulously) “Democracy!! A religious dictator is setting up a democracy? John, this is unbelievable – I wish I could talk to this man!”

John: (Nods gravely, reaches out and places his left hand upon her arm, closes his eyes in concentration… and the two find themselves sitting on a bench in a beautiful park.) “Your wish is my command!” (He gestures to the beautiful shrubbery that surrounds them.)

Nonnie: (Nonnie stands up and takes a step away, then spins around and glares accusingly at her guest) “John, where are we?”

John: “Calm yourself, dear lady. We’re in ArcAngel Park in Genesis City, and the year is 2796. You said you wanted to talk to High Chancellor Bingham.” (Nonnie’s jaw drops, but she’s speechless.) “Look to your right, here he comes now.” (Nonnie spins around and sees a balding, middle-aged man dressed in a crimson suit approaching along the stone walk. John stands and takes her arm to steady her. Bingham reaches them and holds out his hand to John who takes it in a warm handshake.) “Good day, High Chancellor! Allow me to present a good friend, Nonnie Jules.”

Bingham: (Bows respectfully to Nonnie) “Welcome to my favorite refuge, ArcAngel Park! You know, it was built so the faithful could enjoy the natural gifts of the Gods in peaceful splendour.”

Nonnie: (Nonnie is beginning to calm down, and looks from one man to the other, then addresses the cleric.) “Excuse me, Reverend, how do you know my friend John?”

Bingham: (Bingham smiles at John, then addresses Nonnie, kindly.) “Madam, this man beside you is known to us here as Doctor John – an expert in human history from twenty-first century Earth. Is that where you’re from as well?” (Smiles kindly at John) “He’s either delusional, or in possession of great technology. Either way, he is a good soul, so we welcome him.”

Nonnie: “I need to sit down!” (She resumes her seat on the bench and both men sit on either side of her. She looks at John sternly) “We’ll talk later!” (She turns to Bingham) “Doctor John tells me you’re having an election here. Why? You have absolute control of the government now – you can do anything you want! Why mess with that?”

Bingham: (Bingham smiles at her brash speech.) “Madam, I find you delightfully refreshing! Simply put, I believe it is the will of the Gods as revealed to me through the Earthers.”

Nonnie: (Pauses, glances at John, and then locks eyes with Bingham) “Alright, I won’t question your beliefs, but tell me, why do you think this democracy will work to save your society from mayhem?”

Bingham: “Mayhem…” (pauses and frowns thoughtfully) “that’s an apt word to use. First, I tire of governing alone and dealing with the opponents of reform. I need a strong leader, chosen by the people and blessed by the Gods, to help me finish the job.”

Nonnie: “I don’t suppose you have anyone in mind for that job…”

Bingham: “But of course, Madam! ArcGeneral Liz Hastings is the only person for this sacred task!”

Nonnie: “A woman! Really?” (Nonnie glances at John with an astonished look before turning back to Harvey Bingham) “I was told that your church doesn’t approve of women in leadership roles.”

Bingham: “Elizabeth Hastings is no ordinary woman… she is my candidate for President!”

Nonnie: (Looks at the cleric with approval in her eyes) “Well, I just have to meet this woman. John, do you…”

John: (Lays his left hand on Nonnie’s arm) “As you wish…”

Join us for Nonnie’s next adventure on Genesis…

About John Fioravanti

Author, John Fioravanti writes non-fiction as well as fiction in the sci-fi genre. He's a retired secondary school educator and a lifelong learner. He considers himself a work in progress and welcomes the opinions and insights that others may have about his work. He prizes dialogue about meaningful topics, so please leave your thoughts!